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New York City Gardens in Spring

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No matter who we are or where we live, each year the return of spring makes for a special time in our lives, but this is most definitely the case in the one and only New York City. The temperatures are rising, the days are growing longer, and there’s something in the air that seems to promise happy days are here again. Most of all, the arrival of spring in New York City means that the trees are sprouting leaves, the flowers are blooming, and we’re all ready to get back outside and enjoy some fresh air.

One of the most memorable ways of marking the return of spring to New York City is by visiting one or more of its many spectacular gardens. Read on for some suggestions about where to go in order to celebrate New York City’s spring garden scene in style.

New York Botanical Garden

No springtime trip to New York City is truly complete without a visit to the New York Botanical Garden. A New York institution since the late 19th Century, the New York Botanical Garden sits on a grand 250 acres of land in the heart of the Bronx, making it the biggest city-based botanical garden in the entire United States. It is home to some 50 distinct garden spaces that support over a million plants. Favorite attractions here include the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, the Maureen K. Chilton Azalea Garden, the cherry and magnolia trees in the Arboretum Collection, and the Native Plant Garden (which is devoted specifically to North American species). The New York Botanical Garden is also the site of one of the largest botanical archives in the world, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The New York Botanical Garden is located adjacent to the Bronx Zoo, so if it’s an especially nice day outside and you’ve got your walking shoes on, make a plan to hit up both of these attractions on the same spring afternoon.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another essential stop on any springtime garden survey of New York City. This 50-acre facility contains 15 separate gardens and 6 distinct conservatories. Particularly compelling aspects of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden include the Tropical Pavilion, Bonsai Museum, and the Discovery Garden. The “Cherry Walk” path that takes you along the garden’s scenic esplanade is resplendent this time of year, and the Lilac Collection comes highly recommended. It makes for a gorgeous (and educational!) excursion.

Keep in mind that Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s prominent location puts it near several other notable New York City attractions. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden itself is situated directly between the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park Zoo, with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum found just about 1.5 miles to the east. Prospect Park itself is an outstanding place to spend some time, too, if you want to soak up even more plant life in bloom during a New York City spring.

Conservatory Garden

Located just off 5th Avenue, between East 104th and 106th Streets, Conservatory Garden has been a Central Park landmark since 1937. This six-acre plot has a formal design that divides the garden up into three parts: the French-inspired North Garden, the Italian-inspired Center Garden, and the English-inspired South Garden. Highlights of Conservatory Garden include lilacs, crabapple trees, tulips, and chrysanthemums, just to name a few plant varieties that thrive here. A great spot to snap a picture or indulge in some people watching is a water-lily pool dedicated to the memory of Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of the beloved children’s novel, The Secret Garden. There’s a statue in her honor, and the scene is flanked by magnolia trees.

If you’re looking to expand the scope of your outing, you’ll find El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York just outside Conservatory Garden’s main entrance, which is marked by the stately Vanderbilt Gate.

Shakespeare Garden

While it may not be as famous as some of the gardens detailed above, Central Park’s Shakespeare Garden is well worth your time, too. In fact, this cozy, four-acre space is a can’t-miss attraction for literature lovers, or anyone who has ever enjoyed a production of one of William Shakespeare’s plays. That’s because this delightful garden has been planted entirely with an assortment of flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Interspersed throughout the garden you’ll also find a series of bronze plaques that feature Shakespeare quotes discussing plants. Put it all together and it’s a terrific spot for a contemplative stroll on a beautiful spring day.

It’s worth noting as well that Shakespeare Garden is located in Central Park at the 79th Street Transverse. This puts it roughly halfway between the American Museum of Natural History (to the west) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (to the east). If you’re interested in pairing a springtime garden exploration with a visit to either one of these popular NYC museums, this right here might be the makings of a good itinerary.

Take a Tour

You’ve been cooped up inside all winter, so when in doubt, just get out there and go on a bike or walking tour of New York City! During the spring months here, it’s not just the aforementioned gardens that are in bloom, but the entire city is full of life. As a result, most everywhere you adventure is liable to hold some type of spring surprise. Even a place like Fifth Avenue—legendary for its glamorous shopping destinations and bustling crowds—finds itself transformed during the spring months, when its sidewalks host thousands of flower installations that burst in colorful designs. Stop and smell the roses, or snag that perfect selfie—just whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the fresh spring air all around you!

Renting a bike and taking a carefree ride can be the perfect way to grab that fresh air and enjoy the blooming of these myriad New York City plant lives from a unique perspective. Or, just getting out and about on foot, you never quite know what springtime garden delights you might encounter!

Ten Things to Do in New York City in Spring

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No matter the time of year, New York is the place to be. Having said that, there’s just something about the city when the calendar turns to spring. And wouldn’t you know, right on schedule, spring is just around the corner! It’ll be here before we know it, which means it’s time to start making plans. Here are ten things to do in New York City this spring.

Unleash Your Inner Sports Fan

Spring is a great time to be a sports fan in New York City. Baseball has started again, which means both the Yankees and Mets are back in action, but that’s only part of the story. The Knicks and Rangers are still playing regular season games for a few more weeks, while Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls (who play just across the river in New Jersey) and the Manchester City-owned New York City FC are beginning their seasons, too. Add it all up and you’re spoiled for options. If you don’t have time to take in an entire game, or the team is on the road while you’re in town, consider taking a tour of iconic Yankee Stadium or legendary Madison Square Garden.

Take Time for a Tour

No matter whether this is your first time visiting New York, or you’ve been in the city more times than you can remember, it’s never a bad idea to take a guided tour here. New York City is constantly changing, and an effective way to learn more about this ever-evolving place is from those who know it best. Embrace the arrival of spring by going on an open-top, hop-on hop-off bus tour. Stretch your legs on a walking tour of a neighborhood you’ve never explored before. Or just rent a bike from a vendor near Central Park and set off on a joy ride in the fresh spring air.

Make March Museum Month

Just because the weather is steadily improving and the days are slowly but surely getting longer, that doesn’t mean you have to immediately begin spending every waking second in the great outdoors. In fact, the spring is a terrific time of year to check out one of New York City’s world-famous museums. In addition to their acclaimed permanent collections, institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art run special exhibits all throughout the spring months. Plus, each one of these establishments have outdoor terrace areas that are perfect for a casual lunch or a leisurely cup of coffee.

Leave Land Behind (for an Hour or Two)

Some of the best views of New York City and its extraordinary skyline are to be had from the water. As a result, consider taking a sightseeing cruise around New York Harbor with a boat tour operator like Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Hornblower City Cruises. Along the way, you’ll have unparalleled opportunities to see (and photograph!) attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. If you’re feeling particularly daring, book a seat on a night cruise and make a splendid spring evening out of watching the bright lights twinkle on the East River.

Go on a Spring Shopping Spree

Now that it’s spring and we can at long last pack away the scarves, hats, gloves, and big puffy coats for a few months, it’s time to take stock of the state of your wardrobe. Fortunately, you find yourself in New York City—the perfect place to go shopping and freshen up the closet just in time for warmer weather! From the luxury brands of Fifth Avenue’s glamorous storefronts to the unique experiences of Brooklyn’s hippest boutiques and everything in between, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and more when shopping in New York City.

Pack a Lunch and Hit the Park

For all its crowded sidewalks, busy streets, and soaring skyscrapers, New York is a city of parks, too. Beautiful public spaces abound throughout New York City, and springtime is the perfect season to take advantage of these civic treasures. Naturally, when one thinks of parks in New York City, remarkable places like Central Park, Prospect Park, the High Line, and Brooklyn Bridge Park spring to mind—but there are plenty of other outstanding options out there to choose from. Put on comfortable shoes, grab take-out from that lunch spot you’ve read about, and make an afternoon of it.

Embrace the Luck of the Irish

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting New York on St. Patrick’s Day, well then you’re pretty lucky, because March 17th is a special time to be in the city. The St. Patrick’s Day parade, which runs for some 40 blocks along Fifth Avenue, is a can’t-miss event, but that only scratches the surface of the fun to be had in New York City during this celebration of all things Irish. Grab a pint of Guinness at one of New York’s fine Irish pubs, or enjoy a modern take on classic Irish cuisine at one of the city’s upscale Irish restaurants. Or, do both of those things and then take in a play at the Irish Repertory Theatre and a concert at the Irish Arts Center. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to wear something green while you’re doing it!

Set the Kids Free

You know who else is psyched that spring is in the air again? Your children: so why not make their day and let them put a stop or two on the itinerary? Trust us, New York City is overflowing with kid-friendly attractions. Whether they steer you toward the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Central Park Zoo, or the American Museum of Natural History, it’s sure to be a destination that’ll prove to be fun for the entire family.

Stop and Smell the Roses

New York City is home to a number of fabulous gardens just waiting for you to venture forth and explore them on a lovely spring day. In Central Park you’ll find two popular smaller gardens, the Conservatory Garden and Shakespeare Garden, well worth a visit. In the shadow of Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum you’ll encounter the charming Brooklyn Botanic Garden, while the nation’s largest urban botanical garden, the New York Botanical Garden, is located right next to the Bronx Zoo. Its 250 acres contain over one million plants, making it an incredible place to stroll regardless of whether you favor roses, lilacs, or azaleas—or if you just want to wander through the biggest herb garden you’ve ever seen!

Discover Something New

Spring, as they say, is the season of renewal, a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. When in doubt, devote part of your springtime New York City visit to discovering something new and/or doing something fresh. Visit that neighborhood you’ve always wanted to explore. Try that cuisine you’ve always wanted to taste. Embrace that adventure you’ve always wanted to take. It’s springtime in New York—have fun and make the most of it!

Six Super-Secret New York City Parks

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New York City is home to a wonderful network of parks and gardens. Some of these green spaces, like Central Park, Prospect Park, or the New York Botanical Garden, are famous attractions that draw visitors year-round in droves. However, scattered throughout New York City you’ll find approximately 1,700 different parks, meaning that there are plenty of delightful spots slightly more off the proverbial beaten path.

Okay, okay, fair enough: maybe the following hidden gems aren’t, technically speaking, “super-secret,” as the headline would have it. Still, they’re pretty special places where you’ll be able to step away for a moment from New York City’s hustle and bustle and enjoy all that a lovely, outdoor public space has to offer.

Paley Park

Paley Park is not only a peaceful retreat set in the midst of one of New York City’s liveliest areas, it’s a place of some historical importance. Considered by many to be one of America’s first “pocket parks,” Paley Park’s mere 4,200 square feet have charmed guests ever since its opening in 1967. Here you’ll find plenty of chairs to rest in as you gaze at the park’s centerpiece, a 20-foot-tall waterfall. There’s a food kiosk located at Paley Park’s entrance, and numerous seasonal plantings add a green touch to the cozy environment. What’s more, Paley Park is located at 3 East 53rd Street, putting it just steps away from major New York City attractions like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and more.

Elevated Acre

Who doesn’t love to daydream from time to time about the idea that they could discover their own little secret world just by accessing a hidden door or secret passageway? Well, the Elevated Acre is about the closest you can come to living out such a fantasy in New York City. This secret park is, you guessed it, only an acre big, and must be reached by a non-descript escalator tucked away at 55 Wall Street. Elevated Acre packs a lot into a small space. Here you’ll find a pleasant lawn where you can stretch out and relax, as well as an amphitheater. In the summer, the space hosts a beer garden, but year-round the views (specifically toward the East River and Brooklyn, as well as of the Brooklyn Bridge) are outstanding. And when you’re ready to move on, you’ll find yourself not far from the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and Battery Park, where you can catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Heather Garden

The Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park is consistently rated one of New York City’s best garden parks, and it’s most definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a quiet space to explore on a beautiful afternoon. Comprised of three lush acres that support many different kinds of trees, shrubs, and plants, the headliner here is the heather collection. This hearty evergreen grows in a variety of sizes and colors, and is well-represented across this splendid park. In addition to the plant life featured in the Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park offers stunning views out across the Hudson River (there are portions where the park is some 200 feet above the water, which makes for majestic sightlines). Furthermore, The Met Cloisters—a branch of The Met that houses European medieval art in a monastery-like museum structure—can be found at the north end of the park.

Sutton Place Park

Set right alongside the East River waterfront, Sutton Place Park actually consists of 5 pocket parks (be advised: they don’t all connect together as one park, so if you want to experience every single one, you’ll need to locate multiple entrances). It’s a great spot to get some fresh air by going for a little stroll or sipping a coffee on a bench. Here you’ll have practically unmatched views of the Queensboro Bridge, as well as Roosevelt Island and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. A popular spot for pictures is the Porcellino statue, a replica of the famous 17th Century Pietro Tacca artwork that anchors a fountain in Florence, Italy. There’s also a playground for the kids nearby.

Gil Hodges Community Garden

This community garden, named after the great Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges, is part of the New York Restoration Project, an organization that has spent roughly 30 years striving to “ensure that all New Yorkers have equitable access to green space” (as their official website describes their mission). Free and open to the public, the Gil Hodges Community Garden contains a sophisticated stormwater management system, a peaceful patio, and most notably, a “fragrance walk.” This distinctive park path is lined purposefully with aromatic plants like magnolias, azaleas, mint, and more. It’s located just 1.5 miles east of the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Prospect Park Zoo.

Wave Hill

As we mentioned in the introduction above, a hidden gem like Wave Hill isn’t a secret so much as it is under-visited by guests to New York City. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, this beloved Bronx treasure is well worth the time and energy it takes to seek it out. Wave Hill is an approximately 30-acre estate found in the Riverdale neighborhood, situated alongside the Hudson River. The Wave Hill House dates back to the mid-19th Century, when it hosted such prominent figures as Theodore Roosevelt and Mark Twain, and today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The real attraction, though, is its Public Garden and Cultural Center. These spaces feature a beautiful array of flowers, plants, and herbs, a stately pergola, and breathtaking views of the New Jersey Palisades. Plenty of special events take place here throughout the year, too.

St. Patrick’s Day in New York City

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Few cities in the world outside of Ireland can lay as strong a claim to being the place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as New York City can. With its deep historical connections to Ireland, rich Irish cultural institutions, and sizable Irish-American population, New York City knows how to throw a St. Patrick’s Day-sized party. Regardless of whether you’re lucky enough to be a local regular during these festivities, or you’re at last able to visit New York City during the shamrock-centric weeks of March, you’ll want to waste no time putting your St. Patrick’s Day plans in place.

It’s difficult to go wrong spending St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, but with so much to see and do, you won’t want to end up green with envy because you missed out on something amazing only because you weren’t in the loop about it. Keep reading for some fun suggestions about how to make certain your New York City St. Patrick’s Day is an unforgettable experience.

Shamrocks on Parade

New York City held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade way back in 1762, and it proudly boasts that this makes it the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade found anywhere in the world. No matter the records or statistics, this is one parade you won’t want to miss. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade begins every year at 11:00am on March 17th (unless that year’s March 17th is a Sunday, in which case the parade runs on March 16th). It typically features some 150,000 participants, and roughly 2 million people line its route to watch the annual procession.

Things vary from year to year, of course, but the parade usually runs until about 5:00pm. If you’re interested in attending the parade (and why wouldn’t you be!), know that there’s plenty of good spots to be had along the route. However, it’s first come, first served, so the earlier in the day you arrive, the more likely it is you’ll snag that perfect spot.

Fifth Avenue Fun

Speaking of the parade route . . . just because it’s St. Patrick Day and the parade is front and center of everyone’s mind doesn’t mean you can’t branch out and do something slightly less Irish-y throughout the day. In fact, you can combine the two experiences for double the fun! Many of New York City’s most popular attractions are located along its St. Patrick’s Day parade route, which runs northward along Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to 80th Street.

Along this prominent thoroughfare alone you’ll pass such landmarks as Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’ll be a breeze, if you’re so inclined, to combine your Irish festivities with some classic New York City sightseeing.

Pubs!

Let’s be honest, if you limit your time in Irish pubs to St. Patrick’s Day and/or the month of March . . . well, you’re missing out. Still, it’s never too late to make up for lost time by checking out one or more of New York City’s finest Irish pubs as part of your St. Patrick’s Day reveling. Whether you grab a quick pint, enjoy a leisurely meal, or just tag along with some friends, you won’t regret making just such a stop central to your New York City St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s important to keep in mind that even if Guinness isn’t your thing, or you aren’t in the mood for fish and chips, there’s still much merriment to be had at an Irish pub. Most establishments these days serve a wide selection of beverages, and the average menu at your typical Irish establishment isn’t as narrow as you might expect it to be if you deal only in clichés. What’s more, some of the best live music you’re liable to encounter in a bar can be heard at any number of Irish pubs. So what are you waiting for? Hit one up right away . . . or, rather, as soon as you finish reading this blog entry!

Take to the Stage

A stunning body of literature is one of the most significant gifts the Irish people have given the world. From James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett to Paul Murray, Sally Rooney, and Kevin Barry, Ireland has produced far more than its fair share of wonderful writers. Ireland’s rich literary history extends to the stage, too, and if you’re looking for a different way to mark the arrival of another St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, you’d do a lot worse than going to a live theatre performance.

A terrific place to find contemporary Irish theatre is the Irish Repertory Theatre. Located on West 22nd Street, between the famous Flatiron Building and the city’s chic Chelsea neighborhood, the Irish Repertory Theatre has been staging acclaimed works of Irish theatre for over 30 years. Whether it’s a revival of a classic work, or the debut of an provocative new show, you’re sure to find compelling work being presented here.

Learn How to Speak Gaelic

Since 1972, the Irish Arts Center has been New York City’s go-to place for Irish cultural events. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, at the corner of West 51st Street and 11th Avenue, the Irish Arts Center shines a light on the contemporary Irish and Irish-American experience by regularly hosting all sorts of live events. These include music concerts, poetry readings, art shows, theatre performances, and more. The Irish Arts Center also sponsors classes that teach participants how to play traditional Irish instruments like the harp and fiddle, the basics of Irish step dance, and even Gaelic!

Okay, okay . . . so, while it’s true you might not be mastering the nuances of Gaelic over the course of your St. Patrick’s Day visit to New York City, all the same it’s worth carving out some time this March to stop by the Irish Arts Center to learn more about this remarkable country and its lasting impact on the people of New York City and beyond. Sláinte!

Things to Do Inside with Kids

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Take a moment to picture the following scenario. There you are, visiting New York City with the entire family in tow. You’ve made your plans, figured out exactly what you want to do, and everything is in place to make this the best trip ever. You’re beyond excited, the kids are beyond excited, and now all there’s left to do is get out there and have some fun.

Only problem is, the weather is not cooperating! Maybe there’s been a snowstorm, or the city is in the midst of a torrential spring downpour. Maybe it’s way too cold, or perhaps it’s far too hot and humid. Regardless, your big day has arrived and now the last thing you want to do is venture forth into the great outdoors.

Never fear, all is not lost! Read on for some great things to do inside with kids in New York City.

American Museum of Natural History

Whether or not the little ones are fans of the popular Night at the Museum movie franchise, they’ll love all there is to see and do at the American Museum of Natural History. This venerable institution has been delighting kids and families on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for almost 150 years. Among the American Museum of Natural History’s most beloved attractions are an exhibit devoted to the Alaskan Brown Bear and the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, where the whole family can marvel at a skeleton of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex and more. The Hayden Planetarium Space Theater is another fabulous spot to spend a rainy day.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Just across the river from New York City, in the great state of New Jersey, you’ll find the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Part of East Rutherford’s massive Meadowlands Sports Complex (where the NFL’s Giants and Jets play their home games), this sprawling facility is a perfect play place for kids 12 years old and under. The MINILAND area uses some 1.5 million legos to recreate miniature versions of several iconic New Jersey and New York landmarks, while the LEGO 4D Cinema is an interactive wonderland the kids will be sure to love. Last but not least, don’t miss out on the chance to ride the Imagination Express train when you’re here!

SEALIFE Aquarium New Jersey

Located right next door to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is SEALIFE Aquarium New Jersey. This approximately 25,000-square-foot aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures, including nearly 100 unique species drawn from all over the world. Many of the aquarium’s attractions have been specially designed to pay homage to the metro New York market, so in addition to exotic fish, sharks, and jellyfish you’ll see all types of replicas of famous Manhattan landmarks situated throughout the tanks. To take your underwater experience to the next level, be sure to check out the schedule of daily feedings and educational talks given by SEALIFE’s expert staff.

The Met

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts one of the world’s most remarkable collections. Most importantly for those visitors attempting to still have fun with the kids on a day when the weather is crummy, it’s the type of place where there’s truly something for everyone. No matter your age, of course, you’ll be awed by the wonders of The Met’s unparalleled selection of rare Egyptian artifacts, but for something specifically kid-centric, download (or pick up a paper copy at an Information Desk) the “Family Guide.” This tremendous, complimentary resource will provide you with a kid-friendly map to the museum, as well as an audio guide designed for those guests ages 6 through 12.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is known the world over for its startlingly lifelike wax figurines, and the Times Square branch is no different. Here you’ll encounter exhibits that let you pretend to be a visitor to the White House, a guest on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and face-to-face with a Broadway legend like the Phantom of the Opera. You can also enjoy a Marvel Universe 4D film or play the Coney Island Carnival Carnage 7D interactive game. Add it all together, and it has the makings of a terrific “indoor” afternoon.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum can lay claim to being the oldest children’s museum found anywhere in the United States. Here you’ll find “Totally Tots,” a play area designed especially for those ages 6 years old and under; “Neighborhood Nature,” an interactive exhibit that introduces kids to the life sciences through dioramas and other hands-on activities; and “World Brooklyn,” a kid-sized reproduction of a typical Brooklyn streetscape, where the young ones can pretend to be bakers, grocers, shopkeepers, and more. What’s more, if the weather takes a turn for the better, there’s a charming green space just outside, too.

SPYSCAPE

If your kids are a bit older—say, 8 or up—then you may well want to consider spending part of that bad-weather day at SPYSCAPE. This high-tech, interactive museum, located just a few blocks south of Columbus Circle and Central Park, is devoted to all things espionage. Here you can learn about the ins and outs of spycraft, the history of several famous 20th Century intelligence operations, and the contemporary role of hackers in our globalized world—all while trying out the tools of the trade yourself. Whether you’re an actual kid, or just a kid at heart, you’ll probably get a kick out of the adventures to be had at SPYSCAPE.